In January 1996 the Herri Musikaren Txokoa project was launched by Juan Mari Beltran Argiñena and the Town Council of Oiartzun , with the aim of creating a Centre for folk music. Its initial aim was to draw together a base of information, with a library, musical instruments, and archives of sound, images and video, with the Town Council providing the building and infrastructure.

The study, preservation, and teaching of folk music is something that Juan Mari Beltran Argiñena has been involved with for many years. He has gathered a wealth of written information, pictures, instruments and recordings (both field recordings and published material), all pertaining to music and folk instruments. To bring all of this material, and that which continues to be gathered, together into a Centre for research and study, has been an idea of long standing.

Herri Musikaren Txokoa opened to public on March 1, 2002.